Academic success in higher education depends on more than top-notch classes, excellent instructors, and a nice campus with state-of-the-art facilities. The support system surrounding the student body is also critically important for providing a productive and healthy academic experience.
As a result, administrators at educational institutions dedicated to seeing students thrive know that special programs focused on student success and wellness can make all the difference. Many of them have wonderful ideas for new initiatives – or a desire to continue and expand great existing programs. However, they may not have enough funding to make it a reality.
Fortunately, there are numerous funding opportunities out there provided by government agencies, businesses, and foundations that also understand the value of supporting student success and well-being. We did some of the legwork for you and compiled a list of many of these grants, both big and small, national and local.
Click on the links to get further details about eligibility and application guidelines.
Grant opportunities list:
Accelerating Academic Success Program
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The NCAA offers both comprehensive, multi-year grants and single-year, initiatives grants to eligible schools that want to develop systems and programming aimed at furthering academic success.
Deadline for submission is in March.
ACHF College Well-Being Funding Opportunity
American College Health Foundation
This opportunity offers up to two $3,500 awards to institutions of higher education interested in improving elements of their campus infrastructure, and also creating new ones. As a result of these improvements, these institutions work toward student well-being.
Deadline for submission is in February.
Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation Grants
Grant opportunities are given by this foundation to support programs that promote physical and mental well-being for people in the four-county area of Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne in Ohio.
They award grants twice a year. Deadlines for submission are December and June.
Bringing Theory to Practice AMP Grants
Grants offered range from $500 to $3,000. The funds can be used for a variety of activities that are aligned with Bringing Theory to Practice’s commitment to supporting undergraduate education that is holistic, transformative, and nurtures personal well-being.
Proposals are accepted in March.
The California Wellness Foundation
Cal Wellness provides grants in many areas, including increasing educational opportunities for resilient youth. Among the programs they have funded are Humboldt State University’s ELITE Scholars Program and Los Angeles Mission College’s efforts to improve the well-being of youth who are transitioning from juvenile justice facilities to postsecondary education. In this case, typical recent grants were $200,000-$250,000 for three years.
Submissions accepted on a rolling basis.
Entergy Micro Grants
In this case, various program areas are supported by Entergy’s micro grants (which are up to $1,000 each). For example, arts and culture; community improvement/enrichment; economic development, education/literacy, environment and healthy families. As a result, this supports overall wellness.
Submissions are accepted throughout the year.
Faculty / Student Innovation Grants
Cabrillo Education Foundation (CEF)
Eight $1,000 grant opportunities (six for faculty, two for faculty-sponsored students) are available for funding a new approach or the improvement of a current program to increase student success. For instance, this could include initiatives like career readiness programs, learning communities, or programs for disadvantaged students.
Deadline for submission is in October.
FirstRisk Advisors Initiatives in College Mental/Behavioral Health Funding Opportunity
American College Health Foundation
Offering $3,500 in funding, this program is designed to establish creative initiatives addressing the prevention, intervention, and treatment of both mental and behavior disorders in students, with a goal towards enhancing health and supporting student learning.
Deadline for submission is in February.
Michigan Health Endowment Fund
Through five annual grantmaking programs—in areas that include Behavioral Health, Nutrition & Healthy Lifestyles, and Community Health Impact—Michigan’s Health Fund has provided numerous awards for initiatives such as Wayne State University’s Youth Advancing Community Health program.
Application deadlines vary.
NASPA Innovation Grants Program
The NASPA Foundation
In its effort to be a champion of innovation for higher education, NASPA offers funds for implementing innovative ideas that lead to student success. Three levels of grants are available: $1,000, $1,000-$3,000, and $3,000-$5,000.
Deadline for submission is in October.
Seeds of Hope / Bridging the Gap Grant Programs
Transforming Youth Recovery (TYR)
TYR has distributed well over 100 grants to both 2-year and 4-year institutions across the U.S. to support and establish recovery programs for college students who suffer from substance use disorders.
Submission deadlines vary.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, SAMHSA offers an array of grants. Specifically, they support programs around suicide prevention, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and much more.
Submission deadlines also vary.
Title III Part A Programs – Strengthening Institutions
U.S. Department of Education
Designed to expand the capacity to better serve low-income students, these Title III funds can be used for projects such as student service programs for improving academic success.
Deadline for submission is in July.
Webb Family Foundation Grants
This foundation supports innovative non-profit organizations seeking to serve under-resourced youth. For example, a recent Webb Family Foundation grantee is College Track, a 10-year program that works to help students succeed from high school through college graduation and beyond.
Deadline for submission is in June.
